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Quirino MW, Schultz C, Franz MDPD, Lucia T, Martelli A, Gonçalves PBD, Ulguim RDR, Gasperin BG, Bianchi I. Use of chorionic gonadotropins during lactation to optimize postpartum sow reproductive performance: a review. Anim Reprod 2024; 21:e20230118. [PMID: 39021498 PMCID: PMC11253785 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Treating lactating sows with chorionic gonadotropins may allow controlling their post-weaning reproductive function, despite the occurrence of anestrous during lactation. This article reviews the potential effectiveness of treatment with both equine and human chorionic gonadotropins (eCG and hCG, respectively) during lactation on the control of estrus expression and ovulation in weaned sows. The use of 1,000 IU hCG at 24 and 48 h postpartum may induce ovulation in the treated sows, but the ovulation rate may be variable. Pregnancy rates may be improved with combined treatment after the second week of lactation with both chorionic gonadotropins: 1,500 IU eCG plus 500 - 1,000 hCG; or 1,000 IU eCG plus 1,000 IU hCG. Treatment with eCG (1,000 - 2,000 IU) at the end of lactation may result in acceptable estrus expression and ovulation rates, although with marginal benefit for pregnancy rates. The subsequent response to treatments with chorionic gonadotropins during lactation is likely influenced by the treatment period, the suckling frequency during lactation, and the boar exposure during the weaning-to-estrus interval. A better understanding of the efficiency of such steroid-free treatments is increasingly relevant due to the constraints of the use of steroid hormones in livestock reproductive management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monike Willemin Quirino
- Mestrado Profissional em Produção e Sanidade Animal, Instituto Federal Catarinense, Araquari, SC, Brasil
| | - Carolini Schultz
- Núcleo de Pesquisa, Ensino e Extensão em Produção Animal, Instituto Federal Catarinense, Araquari, SC, Brasil
| | | | - Thomaz Lucia
- Fisiopatologia e Biotécnicas da Reprodução Animal, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Capão do Leão, RS, Brasil
| | - Arthur Martelli
- Mestrado Profissional em Produção e Sanidade Animal, Instituto Federal Catarinense, Araquari, SC, Brasil
| | | | - Rafael da Rosa Ulguim
- Setor de Suínos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Bernardo Garziera Gasperin
- Fisiopatologia e Biotécnicas da Reprodução Animal, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Capão do Leão, RS, Brasil
| | - Ivan Bianchi
- Mestrado Profissional em Produção e Sanidade Animal, Instituto Federal Catarinense, Araquari, SC, Brasil
- Núcleo de Pesquisa, Ensino e Extensão em Produção Animal, Instituto Federal Catarinense, Araquari, SC, Brasil
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2
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Weaver AC, Kind KL, Herde PJ, van Wettere WHEJ. Split weaning improves pregnancy rate and embryo survival in sows mated in lactation. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 263:107440. [PMID: 38452579 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Increasing piglet weaning age while maintaining the reproductive efficiency of the breeding herd depends on the ability to stimulate sows to ovulate during lactation without reducing subsequent pregnancy rates and litter sizes. The aim of this study was to determine if a reduction in piglet suckling load, either prior to or immediately after mating in lactation, altered ovarian follicle development and increased embryo survival to day 30 of gestation. Fifty-nine multiparous Large White x Landrace sows were allocated to one of three treatments; litter size maintained at 11 piglets (control); litter size reduced to seven piglets on day 18 of lactation (split wean (SW)); or litter size reduced to seven piglets at expression of lactation oestrus (oestrus split wean (OES SW)). The percentage of sows that expressed lactation oestrus did not differ between treatments (79.7 %; P > 0.05) and split weaning had minimal effects on ovarian follicle development. Pregnancy rates were higher for SW and OES SW sows, compared to control sows. Embryo survival to day 30 of gestation was higher for SW sows (73.7 %) compared with control (56.4 %) and OES SW sows (49.5 %; P < 0.05). In summary, weaning a portion of the litter prior to mating in lactation improved pregnancy rates and embryo survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice C Weaver
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia.
| | - Karen L Kind
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia; Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Paul J Herde
- South Australian Research and Development Institute, Pig and Poultry Production Institute, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - William H E J van Wettere
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
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3
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Bruun TS, Pedersen TF, Thorup F, Strathe AV. Selecting the optimal strategies when using nurse sows for supernumerous piglets. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:546-560. [PMID: 37210733 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Hyper-prolific sows frequently do not have a sufficient number of functional teats for their piglets to nurse which has led to the use of nurse sows to manage these surplus piglets. This review discusses strategies for using nurse sows and factors that influence preweaning survival and weight gain of their litters, as well as those that affect their subsequent rebreeding performance. Rearing piglets using a nurse sow can be as successful as piglets reared with their biological mother and is thus a powerful management tool to decrease preweaning piglet mortality. Selecting a young sow as nurse sow is beneficial for piglet survival; however, piglets nursing first parity sows often have a lower daily weight gain than piglets nursing multiparous sows. A litter of uniform surplus piglets is preferably handled using the two-step nurse sow strategy. A consequence of nonuniform litters will most likely be an increased mortality and decreased weaning weight among the smallest piglets within a litter. The subsequent fertility of nurse sows is not compromised. There is an increased risk of lactational oestrus when using nurse sows leading to an increased weaning-to-oestrus interval; however, litter size in nurse sows is identical or even moderately higher in the subsequent parity compared with nonnurse sows.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Anja Varmløse Strathe
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
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Van Kerschaver C, Turpin D, Michiels J, Pluske J. Reducing Weaning Stress in Piglets by Pre-Weaning Socialization and Gradual Separation from the Sow: A Review. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13101644. [PMID: 37238074 DOI: 10.3390/ani13101644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The weaning of pigs in most commercial pork production systems is an abrupt event performed at a fairly young age, i.e., mostly between 2.5 and 5 weeks of age. This practice induces a stress response, and its impact on behavior, performance and the gastrointestinal tract has been well described. Historically, there has been a focus on pre- and post-weaning nutritional strategies and post-weaning housing conditions and medication to improve production and reduce mortality after weaning. However, alternative pre-weaning housing and management systems that promote the development of natural social behaviors of piglets before weaning have recently received more attention. Co-mingling of non-littermates before weaning is a strategy that aims to initiate social interactions prior to weaning. The separation of the litter from the sow in the period leading up to weaning, termed intermittent suckling, aims to enhance the gradual separation from the sow. In addition, these practices encourage the young pig to learn explorative nutrient sourcing. Altogether, they may reduce weaning-associated stress. In this review, these strategies are defined, and their effects on behavior, performance, mortality, gastrointestinal function and immunocompetence are described. Though these strategies may be adapted to a commercial setting, it also becomes clear that many factors can contribute to the success of these strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Van Kerschaver
- Laboratory for Animal Nutrition and Animal Product Quality, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Diana Turpin
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, 3 Baron-Hay Court, South Perth 6151, Australia
| | - Joris Michiels
- Laboratory for Animal Nutrition and Animal Product Quality, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - John Pluske
- Australasian Pork Research Institute Limited, Willaston 5118, Australia
- Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
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Guan X, Zhu J, Sun H, Zhao X, Yang M, Huang Y, Pan H, Zhao Y, Zhao S. Analysis of Gut Microbiota and Metabolites in Diannan Small Ear Sows at Diestrus and Metestrus. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:826881. [PMID: 35516431 PMCID: PMC9062660 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.826881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological state of the host affects the gut microbes. The estrus cycle is critical to the reproductive cycle of sows. However, the association between gut microbes and animal estrus is poorly understood. Here, high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) non-targeted metabolome technology were used to study the estrous cycles in Diannan small ear pigs. Significantly different gut microbiota and metabolites of sows at estrous and diestrus were screened out and the correlation was analyzed. We found that the intestinal microbial composition and microbial metabolism of Diannan small ear sows were significantly different at diestrus and metestrus. The abundances of Spirochaetes, Spirochaetia, Spirochaetales, Spirochaetaceae, Deltaproteobacteria, unidentified_Alphaproteobacteria, Ruminococcus_sp_YE281, and Treponema_berlinense in intestinal microorganisms of Diannan small ear sows at metestrus are significantly higher than that at diestrus. Propionic acid, benzyl butyrate, sucrose, piperidine, and 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR) were significantly enriched at metestrus compared with diestrus, which were involved in the energy metabolism-related pathways and activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. At diestrus and metestrus, differential microbiota of unidentified_Alphaproteobacteria, Intestinimonas, Peptococcus, Terrisporobacter, and differential metabolites of piperidine, propionic acid, and benzyl butyrate, sucrose, 4-methyl catechol, and AICAR exist a certain degree of correlation. Therefore, unidentified_Alphaproteobacteria, Ruminococcus_sp_YE281, and Treponema_berlinense may have a potential role at metestrus of the Diannan small ear sows. AICAR may be apotential marker of estrus Diannan small ear sows feces, but further studies about the specific mechanism are needed. These findings provide a new perspective for sows production management and improving sows reproductive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuancheng Guan
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Junhong Zhu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Haichao Sun
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaoqi Zhao
- Yunnan Academy of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Minghua Yang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Hongbin Pan
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Yanguang Zhao
- Shanghai Laboratory Animal Research Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Sumei Zhao
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Province Key Laboratory for Porcine Gene Editing and Xenotransplantation, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
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Zhao Q, Tao C, Pan J, Wei Q, Zhu Z, Wang L, Liu M, Huang J, Yu F, Chen X, Zhang L, Li J. Equine chorionic gonadotropin pretreatment 15 days before fixed-time artificial insemination improves the reproductive performance of replacement gilts. Animal 2021; 15:100406. [PMID: 34844186 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) technology uses exogenous reproductive hormones to regulate the sexual cycle and ovulation of sows without oestrus identification, which improves the sow breeding utilisation rate, reduces the number of non-productive days, and elevates the efficiency of pig farm management. In this study, we aimed to optimise FTAI procedures. Healthy 190-day-old and about 90 kg Large White × Landrace crossing breed replacement gilts (n = 166) which were of unknown reproductive status were randomly selected and divided into three groups: a control group (n = 62), an eCG-15D group in which the gilts were pretreated with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) injection 15 days before starting FTAI (n = 50), and an eCG-20D group pretreated with eCG injection 20 days before starting FTAI (n = 54). All three groups were then subjected to the same conventional FTAI procedure. Pigs were orally administered Altrenogest (ALT, 20 mg per pig per day) for 18 days and then 42 h after ALT feeding was stopped, they were injected with 1 000 IU eCG followed by 100 μg GnRH 80 h later. The gilts were inseminated for the first time 24 h after gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) injection and then again 16 h later. After 42 h of ALT feeding, gilts in the eCG-15D group displayed a higher follicular diameter until artificial insemination (AI) than those from the other groups (P < 0.05). In addition, the ovulation times were the most synchronised in the eCG-15D group, with 100% of the gilts ovulating before the second AI on day 25 of FTAI. Furthermore, the gilts in the eCG-15D group achieved the highest pregnancy rate (92%), farrowing rate (90%), total pigs born (11.59), and pigs born alive (11.18). Together, the findings of this study demonstrate that reproductive performance can be optimised by pretreating gilts with eCG 15 days before conventional FTAI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei Province 071000, China
| | - C Tao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei Province 071000, China
| | - J Pan
- Institute of Virology and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310021, China
| | - Q Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei Province 071000, China
| | - Z Zhu
- Institute of Virology and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310021, China
| | - L Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei Province 071000, China
| | - M Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei Province 071000, China
| | - J Huang
- Institute of Virology and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310021, China
| | - F Yu
- Institute of Virology and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310021, China
| | - X Chen
- Institute of Virology and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310021, China
| | - L Zhang
- Institute of Virology and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310021, China
| | - J Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei Province 071000, China.
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Iida R, Piñeiro C, Koketsu Y. Timing and temperature thresholds of heat stress effects on fertility performance of different parity sows in Spanish herds. J Anim Sci 2021; 99:6283665. [PMID: 34036340 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
High temperature is an environmental factor that impairs sow fertility. In this study, we identified the critical weeks for heat stress effects on aspects of fertility performance, namely weaning-to-first-service interval (WSI) and farrowing rate (FR). We also examined the threshold temperatures above which the fertility performance deteriorated and whether there were any differences between parities regarding heat stress effects or thresholds. Performance data of sows in 142 herds from 2011 to 2016 were matched to appropriate weekly averaged daily maximum temperatures (Tmax) from weather stations close to the herds. Two types of ratios (i.e., ratio for WSI and odds ratio for FR) were used to identify the critical weeks for heat stress by comparing the respective measures for two sow groups based on Tmax in different weeks around weaning or service events. The ratios for WSI were calculated between groups of sows exposed to Tmax ≥ 27 °C or <27 °C in each week before weaning, with the Tmax cutoff value based on a recent review study. Similarly, the odds ratios for FR for the two groups were calculated in weeks around service. The weeks with the largest differences in the fertility measures between the two Tmax groups (i.e., the highest ratio for WSI and the lowest odds ratio for FR) were considered to be the critical weeks for heat stress. Also, piecewise models with different breakpoints were constructed to identify the threshold Tmax in the critical week. The breakpoint in the best-fit model was considered to be the threshold Tmax. The highest ratios for WSI were obtained at 1 to 3 wk before weaning in parity 1 and 2 or higher sow groups. The threshold Tmax leading to prolonged WSI was 17 °C for parity 1 sows and 25 °C for parity 2 or higher sows. Increasing Tmax by 10 °C above these thresholds increased WSI by 0.65, and 0.33 to 0.35 d, respectively (P < 0.01). For FR, the lowest odds ratios were obtained at 2 to 3 wk before service in parity 0, 1, and 2 or higher sow groups. The threshold Tmax leading to reductions in FR was 20, 21, and 24 to 25 °C for parity 0, 1, and 2 or higher sow groups, respectively. Increasing Tmax by 10 °C above these thresholds decreased FR by 3.0%, 4.3%, and 1.9% to 2.8%, respectively (P < 0.01). These results indicate that the critical weeks for heat stress were 2 to 3 wk before service for FR and 1 to 3 wk before weaning for WSI. The decreases in fertility performance in parity 0 to 1 sows started at temperatures 3 to 8 °C lower than in parity 2 or higher sows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Iida
- Department of Agriculture, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kanagawa 214-8571, Japan
| | - Carlos Piñeiro
- Department of Data Management and Analysis, PigCHAMP Pro Europa S.L., 40006 Segovia, Spain
| | - Yuzo Koketsu
- Department of Agriculture, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kanagawa 214-8571, Japan
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Kemp B, Da Silva CLA, Soede NM. Recent advances in pig reproduction: Focus on impact of genetic selection for female fertility. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53 Suppl 2:28-36. [PMID: 30238653 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In the past 30 years, sows have been successfully selected for a shorter weaning-to-oestrus interval and increased litter size. This review discusses the consequences of this selection for the reproductive physiology of sows, including the consequences for litter characteristics at birth. It also discusses breeding and management opportunities to deal with this changed genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bas Kemp
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Carolina L A Da Silva
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nicoline M Soede
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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